25 of the best villas in Europe

Villa Callirrhoe

Although inspired by Ralph Lauren's Jamaican summer retreat,
this symmetrical, one-storey building differs in a couple of
important way. Unlike its Caribbean counterpart, it has a large,
lawned garden (walled and gated). It also has direct access to a
long expanse of sandy beach. Otherwise, the sea views and the
stretch of floor-to-ceiling glass which divides the raised swimming
pool area from the open-plan living space are along similar lines.
In this central part of the house, cooled by ceiling fans, there
are groupings of comfortable sofas and a relaxed convivial dining
area. Simple but comfortable bedrooms flank this central space,
combining whites and navy-blue, with modern furniture and large
French windows. Bathrooms are brightly lit, with walk-in
showers.

On the doorstep Lindos town for beaches,
acropolis and renowned, family-run Mavrikos restaurant; the Old
Town of Rhodes (an hour's drive away); The east-coast beaches at
Prasonisi are best for windsurfing and kite surfing.